Charlestown woman jailed for attempting to obtain prescription by fraud

Written by George Browning

Wednesday, 25 July 2012 00:00

A Charlestown woman is now awaiting her October court date on two Class D felony charges filed when she allegedly attempted to fraudulently obtain a prescription medicine.

Melissa Dawn Crace, 43, pleaded not guilty to one charge each of attempting to possess a legend drug and restricted behavior concerning legend drug. The case began on July 13 when Captain Paul Clute with the Austin Police Department was dispatched to an Austin pharmacy to question a woman attempting to pick up what was described as a fradulent prescription for the drug Ultram. Store staff and Capt. Clute detained the woman until Trooper Tracy Spencer of the Indiana State Police, Sellersburg post, arrived. Allegedly, Crace had earlier gone into the pharmacy and asked for a prescription for Michael Crace, which had been phoned in the previous day. The doctor’s office was contacted to verify patient information, and the staff learned that there had been no prescription issued. When Melissa Crace arrived, she reportedly requested the prescription, but when Capt. Clute came to the store, she quickly departed, leaving behind her car keys. A juvenile girl, one of two traveling with Crace, came back into the store to obtain the keys. Crace then returned and began filling out a check for the prescription, Capt. Clute related. Once outside, Capt. Clute began talking with Crace. He said he was told Crace was trying to help her ex-husband get his medication. When Crace was approached by Trp. Spencer and given her Miranda warning, the woman refused to answer any questions. She was then placed in handcuffs by the ISP officer and transported to the Scott County Security Center. The two juveniles contacted a relative, who came and got them. Crace is being represented by a public defender. Her jury trial date is October 15, and her bond is $15,000 corporate surety/10% cash.